JP2000193901A - Fluctuation correction monogon scanner for laser imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a scanner assembly for correcting the fluctuation of a scanning optical part along a rotary shaft by substantially eliminating a defective image deversely affecting the image quality of photosensitive film after being developed. SOLUTION: The scanner assembly is provided with a light source 88 for generating light beams, a reflection system 82 rotatable around the rotary shaft and a toric lens 118. The reflection system is composed of the scanning optical part defined by a pentagonal prism 92 and a cylindrical lens 116. The light beams are reflected on the second reflection surface 98 of the pentagonal prism by the first reflection surface 96 of the pentagonal prism. Also, the light beams are reflected on the second reflection surface, so that an image is formed on an image material through the cylindrical lens and the toric lens. The fluctuation of a reflection system along the rotary shaft caused by a bearing and mechanical inaccuracy at the driving mechanism of the reflection system is corrected by the cylindrical lens and the toric lens together with the pentagonal prism.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an internal drum scanner assembly and a laser imaging system incorporating such a scanner assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to rotatable scanning optics, and to fluctuations caused by bearings and mechanical inaccuracies in the drive of the scanning optics, which adversely affect the quality of the film image formed by the laser imaging system. A monogon optical scanner assembly having a pair of lenses for compensating for the effect.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Laser imaging systems are commonly used to form photographic images from digital image data generated by magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography or other scanner types. Usually, this type of system comprises a continuous tone laser imager for exposing an image on a photosensitive film, a film developer for developing the film, and an image processing subsystem for adjusting the operation of the laser imager and the film developer. I have it.

[0003] Digital image data is a series of digital image values representing a scanned image. Image processing electronics within the image processing subsystem generates a series of digital laser drive values (ie, exposure values) from the image data values and inputs them to a laser scanner. The laser scanner scans the photosensitive film in a raster pattern for exposing an image on the film according to the digital laser driving value.

[0004] Continuous tone images used in the medical imaging field require very strict image quality. The image is exposed in a raster format by laser imager printing on a transparent film, and the line spacing of the image must be controlled with a precision higher than 1 micron. further,
The image must be uniformly exposed so that the observer cannot recognize the artifact. For medical imaging,
The observer is a specialized image analyst (eg, a radiologist).

[0005] Film exposure systems are used to expose images on photosensitive film. Known film exposure systems include linear translation systems and laser optical scanning assemblies. The laser scanning assembly includes
There are laser scanners with unique optical arrangements (ie, lenses and mirrors) for exposing images to film. A linear movement system is a mechanical device that converts a rotary movement into a linear movement. The linear movement system moves the laser scanning assembly in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction so that the entire image is scanned on one sheet of photosensitive film.

In an internal drum laser scanner assembly, a single film is placed on a partially cylindrical or partially drummed film platen.
The photosensitive film is positioned relative to a film platen. The laser optical scanning assembly is located at the center of the curvature of the photosensitive film to scan a scan line on the photosensitive film surface. The linear movement system
The laser optical scanning assembly is moved longitudinally along a longitudinal axis defined by the center of curvature of the film so as to expose the film with a two-dimensional whole image consisting of a series of small dots known as pixels.

Generally, a laser optical scanning assembly comprises a single mirror and rotatable scanning optics consisting of an assembly of one or more mirrors or glass prisms. Typically, rotatable scanning optics are mounted on a shaft supported by some type of bearing assembly that includes radial and thrust bearings. The shaft itself is eventually rotated by a motor driven by the controlling electro-optical system.

A disadvantage of this type of scanning assembly is that inaccuracies in the assembly of the bearing, shaft and / or motor cause "fluctuations" along the axis of rotation of the rotatable scanning optics. This mechanically induced fluctuation is converted to a fluctuation of the beam that causes an error in the position of the laser beam in the cross-scan direction.
The above error in the laser beam position finally results in an image defect that adversely affects the image quality of the developed film image. Therefore, in order to achieve high image quality, bearings, shafts and motors need to be manufactured from high quality materials using very accurate manufacturing techniques to form accurate images. Unfavorable production increases the cost of manufacturing a scanner assembly for a laser imaging system.

Even if a scanner assembly capable of forming a high-quality image after development can be manufactured by minimizing fluctuations due to high-quality materials and extremely accurate manufacturing techniques, the components of the scanner assembly can be manufactured. Causes normal wear when used for a long time. For example, in order to obtain a high-resolution image on a photosensitive film in as short a time as possible, it is necessary to rotate a scanning optical component rotatable at a very high speed. Typically, the speed is about 20,000 revolutions per minute (ie, 20,000 rpm). This high rotational speed causes wear and fluctuations in the bearings, shafts and / or motors of the scanner assembly, resulting in image defects that adversely affect the quality of the developed film image.

There is a need for an improved scanner assembly in a laser imaging system.

[0011]

An image defect which adversely affects the image quality of a photosensitive film after development is substantially eliminated,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a scanner assembly for correcting fluctuations along a rotation axis of a scanning optical component. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a scanner assembly having the above-described features while using a low-cost scanner assembly component while being relatively easy to manufacture.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical scanner assembly for forming an image on an image material located on an inner surface of a curved film platen. A light source for generating a light beam representing an image to be formed on the image material along a beam axis; a first reflecting surface for receiving the light beam from the light source and reflecting the received light beam; and a first reflecting surface A scanning optical component having a second reflective surface for receiving the light beam reflected from the second light source and directing the light beam to an image material on an inner surface of the curved film platen; and light reflected from the second reflective surface. A lens arrangement for receiving the beam and focusing the light beam on the image material to form an image on the image material, the lens system being rotatable about an axis of rotation substantially coincident with the beam axis. It is achieved by the optical scanner assembly consisting of Temu.

The present invention is directed to an optical scanner assembly for forming an image on an image material located on an interior surface of a curved film platen. The scanner assembly has a light source that generates a light beam representing an image to be formed on the image material. The light beam exits the light source along the beam axis. Further, the scanner assembly has a reflective system that is rotatable about an axis of rotation substantially coincident with the beam axis. The reflection system comprises scanning optics and a first lens arrangement. The scanning optic is defined by the first and second reflective surfaces. The first reflecting surface receives the light beam from the light source and reflects the light beam. The second reflective surface receives the light beam reflected from the first reflective surface and reflects the light beam toward the image material on the interior surface of the curved film platen. The first lens arrangement of the reflecting system receives the light beam reflected from the second reflecting surface and focuses the light beam.

Further, the scanner assembly has a second lens arrangement which is stationary with respect to the rotatable reflective system. The second lens device receives the light beam focused by the first lens device, and further focuses the light beam on the image material to form an image on the image material. In fact, the first lens device focuses the beam on the first surface, while the second lens device focuses the light beam on a second surface that is perpendicular to the first surface. The first and second lens devices are defined by a cylindrical lens and a toric lens, respectively. The scanning optics of the rotatable reflective system is a pentaprism and the first and second reflective surfaces are:
It is limited by the first and second internal reflection surfaces of the pentaprism. The first lens device is at the exit face of the pentaprism.

By utilizing the first and second lens devices together with the scanning optics and arranging the first lens device on the exit surface of the pentaprism, the scanner assembly allows the scanning optics drive mechanism to operate. Compensate for fluctuations along the axis of rotation of the reflective optics caused by bearings and mechanical inaccuracies. By correcting for the fluctuations, the scanner assembly substantially eliminates image defects formed on the imaging material. In addition, by simply compensating for the jitter instead of eliminating the source of the distortion, the scanner assembly can be constructed at a low cost without the need to manufacture from specialized materials using precise manufacturing techniques. Can be assembled from parts. This can result in substantial savings in manufacturing the scanner assembly of the present invention. In addition, because the scanner assembly compensates for the fluctuations, the fluctuations caused by wear of the scanner assembly components over long periods of use are no longer a design concern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings help to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate examples of the invention and, together with the following embodiments, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention and the intended effect of the invention are:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The same reference numerals throughout the drawings will be understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which show the same parts.

[0017]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a specific embodiment of a laser imaging system 30 suitable for use in the imaging industry, such as the medical imaging industry, including a film exposure device 34 having a monogon optical scanner assembly 35 for correcting fluctuations according to the present invention. Show. The imaging system 30 includes a film supply mechanism 32, a film exposure device 34, a film development station 36, a film receiving area 38, and a film transport system 40. Film supply mechanism 32, film exposure device 3
4. The film development station 36 and the film transport system 40 are all in the imaging system housing 4.
2 are arranged.

The image material is stored in a film supply mechanism 32. The term “image material” refers to a material that forms an image, including medical imaging films, graphic arts films, and imaging materials used for data storage and the like. Examples of imaging materials include thermographic films, photothermographic films or photosensitive films. In one preferred embodiment, a photosensitive film is used as the imaging material to be sensitive to laser beam light (ie, a polymer or paper based photosensitive film coated with an emulsion of dry silver or other heat sensitive material). . One well-known film suitable for use in medical imaging processes with a film exposure apparatus that includes an optical scanner assembly according to the present invention is under the trade name Dryview Imaging Film (DVB or DVC) manufactured by Imation Corporation of Oakdale, Minnesota. Available.

The film transport system 40 allows the photosensitive film to move between a film exposure device 34, a film development station 36, and a film receiving area 38. Film transport system 40 includes a roller system (not shown) that assists in transporting the film along a film transport path indicated by dashed line 44. Film transport route 4
The direction of film transport along 4 is indicated by arrow 46. In particular, the film supply mechanism 32 transfers a single film along a film transport path 44 to a film exposure device 34 for exposing a desired image on a photosensitive film using the optical scanner assembly 35 of the present invention. It has a sending mechanism.
After exposing the photosensitive film to the desired image, the photosensitive film travels along film transport path 44 to film development station 36. Film development station 3
6 develops the image on the photosensitive film. After film development, the photosensitive film is conveyed to a film receiving area 38.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the film exposure apparatus 34 has an internal drum type arrangement. Optical scanner assembly 35 of film exposure device 34
Is mechanically coupled to the linear movement system. The linear movement system 52 is mounted on a drum frame 54 of the film exposure apparatus 34. The drum frame 54 has a curved film platen 55 defined as an internal drum surface. The center of the curvature of the curved film platen 55 arranged along the longitudinal axis of the drum is indicated by a dotted line 5.
6. Optical scanner assembly 35 is mechanically coupled to linear translation system 52. During the scanning process, the linear movement system 52 operates to move the optical scanner assembly 35 along the longitudinal axis 56, with a directional arrow 58.
(In a direction generally perpendicular to the scanning direction), and after scanning, return the optical scanner assembly 35 to its initial position along the longitudinal axis 56 in the direction of the directional arrow 60.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the drum frame 54 has a first end 62 and a second end 64
, A first side 66, a second side 68, a bottom 70 and a top 72. The film platen 55 is disposed in the drum frame 54. The film platen 55 is provided with a cylindrical or partially cylindrical internal scanning surface 57. The translation system 52 moves the top 7 such that the optical scanner assembly 35 is positioned along the center of curvature (of a single film in the scanning position of the film platen), as indicated by the longitudinal axis 56.
2. In particular, the linear movement system 52 is located between the first end 62 and the second end 64. In one preferred embodiment, drum frame 54 is constructed of metal.

FIG. 3 shows a single photosensitive film 76 located on a curved film platen 55. During exposure of the photosensitive film 76 (that is, during image formation), the photosensitive film 76 is fixed to the film platen 55 at the scanning position. In the scanning position, the photosensitive film 76 takes the form of a curved film platen 55 that is cylindrical or partly cylindrical. The photosensitive film 76 is positioned at the scanning position (ie, aligned and centered) using a film position locking mechanism (not shown).

As can be seen from FIGS. 4-6, the monogon optical scanner assembly 35 includes a light source such as a laser assembly 80 (FIG. 5), a rotatable reflection system 82, a light collection system 84, and a drive mechanism. 86 (FIG. 5). As best seen in FIG. 5, the laser assembly 80 is mounted on a scanning assembly support bracket 87 that is installed in the linear movement system 52 of the film exposure device 34. Laser assembly 80 is mounted to scanning assembly support bracket 87 in a well-known manner, such as with a set screw (not shown). The laser assembly 80 includes the photosensitive film 7 held at the scanning position on the inner surface of the curved film platen 55.
6 generates a laser light beam 88 representing the image to be formed. The laser light beam 88 is applied to the drum longitudinal axis 56.
Exits the laser assembly 80 along a beam axis 90 substantially corresponding to The rotatable reflection system 82 has multiple scanning optics, such as a pentaprism 92. Alternatively, the rotatable reflective system 82 comprises an assembly of reflective surfaces. The pentaprism 92 includes a transparent entrance surface 94 facing the laser assembly 80, a first internal reflection surface 96, a second internal reflection surface 98, and a transparent exit surface (ie, output surface) 1.
00. The exit surface 100 of the pentaprism 92 is perpendicular to the entrance surface 94 and has a curved film platen 5.
5 faces the photosensitive film 76 on the inner surface 57. In one preferred embodiment, the pentaprism 92 is comprised of glass and the first and second internally reflecting surfaces 96, 98 are made to reflect by a metallic coating (eg, an aluminum or silver coating). I have.

As best seen in FIG. 5, pentaprism 92 is secured to one end of prism mount 102 by an adhesive such as epoxy. Prism mount 10
2 is the casing 10 of the electric drive motor 108.
6 is attached to the drive shaft 104 protruding from the drive shaft 6. The prism mount 102 is secured to the drive shaft 104 in a known manner, such as with a set screw 110. The drive motor 108 is mounted on the scan assembly support bracket 87 in a well-known manner, such as with a screw fastener 111. The drive shaft 104 of the drive motor 108 is free to pass through an opening 112 in the scanning assembly support bracket 87. When power is applied, drive motor 108 drives drive shaft 104
To rotate the pentaprism about a rotation axis 114 substantially coincident with the beam axis 90 and the longitudinal axis 56 of the drum, as shown by arrow 113 in FIG.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the laser light beam 88 generated by the laser assembly 80 first travels along a beam path coincident with the beam axis 90 and is near the first internal reflection surface 96. And enters the pentaprism 92 through a transparent entrance surface 94 of the same order. The first internal reflective surface 96 receives the laser light beam 88 from the laser assembly 80 (once the laser light beam 88 passes through the incident surface 94) and travels along the beam path to the second internal reflective surface 98. The light beam 88 is reflected. The second internal reflection surface 98 receives the laser beam 88 reflected from the first internal reflection surface 96 and directs the light beam 88 along the beam path to the photosensitive film 76 on the internal surface 57 of the curved film platen 55. Reflect. The laser light beam 88 reflected by the second internal reflection surface 98 exits the pentaprism 92 through a transparent exit surface 100 proximal to the second reflection surface 98. Upon exiting the exit face 100 of the pentaprism 92, the laser light beam 88 (reflected from the second reflective surface 98) passes through a focusing system 84. Light collection system 84 focuses light beam 88 on photosensitive film 76 to form an image on the photosensitive film.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4-6, the light collection system 84 includes a first lens device defined by a cylindrical lens 116 and a second lens device defined by a toric lens 118. The cylindrical lens 116 is connected to the exit surface 100 of the pentaprism 92.
The cylindrical lens 116 is rotatable around the rotation axis 114 with the pentaprism 92. The cylindrical lens 116 has a longitudinal axis 56,
Centered on a curved axis 122 (FIG. 5) that is substantially parallel to beam axis 90 and rotation axis 114.

The position of the cylindrical lens 116 is fixed with respect to the pentaprism 92. In one preferred embodiment, lens 116 is located on surface 100 (ie, integrally formed with surface 100 or surface 10).
Plano-convex cylinder lens (fixed to 0). In one embodiment, the cylindrical lens 116 is glass,
Outside 120 of exit surface 100 of glass pentaprism 92
(As part of). Alternatively, the cylindrical lens 116 can separately form a glass component fixed to the outside 120 of the exit surface 100 of the glass pentaprism 92 by an adhesive such as epoxy or an adhesive mechanism. As a further alternative, the cylindrical lens 116 is a casting of a polymer or plastic material on the exterior 120 of the exit face 100 of the glass pentaprism 92. In another embodiment, cylindrical lens 116 is spaced from pentaprism 92 along an optical path defined by beam 88 at a fixed location relative to pentaprism 92.

The toric lens 11 of the light collecting system 84
8 is mounted on a scanning assembly support bracket 87 (eg, through the use of a guide mechanism) and is stationary with respect to the rotatable pentaprism 92 and the cylindrical lens 116. The toric lens 118 is attached to the scanning assembly support bracket 87 by a well-known method such as a guide mechanism or a screw fastener. Toric lens 118
Is centered on a curved axis 124 substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis 56, the beam axis 90 and the rotation axis 114.

In one preferred embodiment, the toric lens 118 is a plano-convex, relatively thin, flexible, long (a few inches, one inch is 2.54 cm) cylindrical lens. Lens 118 can easily "bend" or "curve" into an arch of 180 degrees or more while exhibiting and maintaining diffraction-limited optical properties (e.g., suitable for the illustrated film platen geometry). like). By maintaining the diffraction-limited optical properties, as is well known to those skilled in the art, when the flexible lens 118 is used to focus a laser beam on a scan surface, the physical properties of the lens are reduced. A predictable focused spot size (and position) calculated based on that can be brought to the scan plane. As used herein, the term "diffraction limited" is defined as a property of an optical system, where only diffraction effects determine the quality of the image formed. The term "diffraction limited lens" is defined as an aberrated lens that is corrected to a point that is substantially less than one quarter wavelength of the energy at which the residual wavefront error acts. Photonics Dictionary 4
1st Edition, 1995 (Laurin Publishing, 1995).

In one preferred embodiment, the lens 1
Reference numeral 18 denotes a long, thin, flexible structure layer composed of a polymer material, the structure layer being a longitudinally extending member having a first major surface and a second major surface; The first large surface and the second large surface are usually flat. The first optical layer extends along a first major surface and is shaped to exhibit desired optical properties (eg, convex). In one aspect, the first optical layer comprises a photopolymer.
Flexible lenses exhibit diffraction-limited optical properties. Flexible lenses are several inches in length and bend into the desired shape to be wrapped around a cylindrical guide. The flexible lens can be bent into a semicircle, and when the flexible lens bends into a semicircle, maintains the diffraction-limited optical properties. Further, the lens 118 has a second optical layer extending along a second major surface, the second optical layer being flat. In one embodiment, the second optical layer comprises a photopolymer.

As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cylindrical lens 116 receives the laser light beam 88 reflected from the second internal reflection surface 98 through the exit surface 100,
The light beam 88 along the X axis 126 (see FIG. 6) is focused (ie, converged). The X axis 126 is the longitudinal axis 5 of the drum.
6 in a direction substantially perpendicular to. The cylindrical lens 116 does not change the light beam 88 along the Y axis 128 (see FIG. 5). Y-axis 128 extends substantially parallel to drum longitudinal axis 56 and substantially perpendicular to X-axis 126. The toric lens 118 is the laser light beam 8 focused by the cylindrical lens 116.
8, the light beam 88 is further condensed (that is, converged) to form an image on the photosensitive film 76 on the inner surface 57 of the curved film platen 55. The toric lens 118 focuses the light beam 88 only on the Y axis 128 (see FIG. 6). The toric lens 118 has an X-axis 126
In this case, the light beam 88 (preliminarily collected by the cylindrical lens 116) is not changed.

In operation, a photosensitive film 76 aligned with the scanning position and held centrally with respect to the inner surface 57 of the film platen 55 causes the optical scanner assembly 35 to scan the film in an image-like pattern. On the surface,
The film 76 is scanned with a laser beam 88 representing an image to be exposed. In particular, the scanning laser beam 88
Is the curvature 56 of the film platen 55 (and film 76) located along the center of curvature of the longitudinal axis 56 of the drum.
Spread from the center of the fire. Optical scanner assembly 3
5 is the rotation axis 1 as indicated by the arrow 113 indicating the direction.
By rotating about 14, a laser beam 88 containing image data representing an image to be exposed to a raster line is scanned. Optical scanner assembly 35
Scans the image and raster lines in an image-like pattern onto a photosensitive film 76 located on the inner surface 57 of a curved film platen 55, so that the linear movement system 52
Moves the optical scanner assembly 35 along the center of the longitudinal axis 56 of the curve, exposing the entire image to the photosensitive film 76. Linear translation system 52 moves optical scanner assembly 35 along longitudinal axis 56 in a direction that is typically perpendicular to the scanning direction of laser beam 88. Because the linear movement system 52 moves the optical scanner assembly 35 between each scan line, the resulting scan lines are substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the linear movement system 52.

In the prior art scanner assembly,
Mechanical inaccuracies in bearings, drive shafts and other drive motors have caused "fluctuations" along the axis of rotation of the scanning optics. This fluctuation causes the laser light beam directed by the scanning optics to the photosensitive film not to be perpendicular to the laser light beam exiting the laser assembly. In other words, the fluctuation causes the laser light beam emerging from the scanning optics of the prior art scanner assembly to be steered at a diverging angle. This situation causes a defect in an image formed on the photosensitive film. In the monogon optical scanner assembly 35 according to the present invention, despite the fluctuations induced by mechanical inaccuracies in the drive mechanism 86, the laser light beam 88 exiting from the exit face 100 of the pentaprism 92 is transmitted from the laser assembly 80. Outgoing laser light beam 88
And is always substantially vertical. Since the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection at both the first and second internal reflection surfaces 96, 98, the fluctuations are such that the laser light beam 88 exiting the exit surface 100 of the pentaprism 92 is optimal for the exiting laser light beam (ie, It only displaces along the longitudinal axis 56 to a plane which remains parallel to the (non-fluctuation) plane. The slight displacement is corrected by the lens 118. In other words, in the scanner assembly 35 of the present invention, the laser light beam 88 never exits the pentaprism 92 at a diverging angle. Thereafter, the cylindrical and toric lenses 116, 118 focus the laser light beam 88 on the photosensitive film 76 without appreciable wobble effects (ie, wobble-induced image defects).

In summary, utilizing a cylindrical and toric lens 116, 118 in conjunction with a pentaprism 92, the beam 88 exits the pentaprism 92 along the toric lens 88 (eg, exit surface 100 of the pentaprism 92) before the cylindrical lens. By locating 116 along the optical path, the scanner assembly of the present invention allows the rotation axis 11 of the pentaprism 92 to be caused by bearings and mechanical inaccuracies in the drive mechanism 86.
4 is corrected. By correcting for the fluctuations, the scanner assembly 35 substantially eliminates image defects formed on the photosensitive film 76. In addition, by simply compensating for the fluctuations instead of eliminating the source of the fluctuations, the scanner assembly 35 is a low cost scanner assembly that does not need to be manufactured from special materials utilizing precision manufacturing techniques. (For example, a low-cost drive mechanism 86). This allows a substantial saving in the cost of manufacturing the scanner assembly 35 of the present invention. In addition, because the scanner assembly 35 compensates for the fluctuations, the fluctuations induced by wear of the scanner assembly components over time are no longer a design concern.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a laser imaging system including a film exposure apparatus having a monogon optical scanner assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 includes an optical scanner assembly according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a specific portion of the film exposure apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the film exposure apparatus and the optical scanner assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a scanning optical component of the optical scanner assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the optical scanner assembly described in FIG. 4 showing the laser assembly, the drive mechanism for the scanning optics, and the path of the laser beam through the scanning optics according to the invention.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the optical scanner assembly described in FIG. 4 showing a path of a laser beam.

[Explanation of symbols]

 56 Longitudinal axis 76 Photosensitive film 80 Laser assembly 82 Rotatable reflection system 84 Focusing system 86 Drive mechanism 88 Laser light beam 90 Beam axis 92 Pentaprism 94 Incident surface 96 First internal reflection surface 98 Second internal reflection Surface 100 Exit surface 102 Prism mount 104 Drive shaft 106 Casing 108 Electric drive motor 110 Set screw 111 Screw stop 112 Opening 113 Arrow indicating rotation direction 114 Rotation axis 116 Cylindrical lens 118 Toric lens 120 External 122 Curve axis 128 Y axis

Claims (3)

[Claims] An optical scanner assembly for forming an image on an image material located on an inner surface of a curved film platen, the light source generating a light beam along the beam axis representing an image to be formed on the image material. And a first reflecting surface for receiving the light beam from the light source and reflecting the received light beam; and receiving the light beam reflected from the first reflecting surface and forming the light beam on the inner surface of the curved film platen. A scanning optical component having a second reflective surface for directing the image material to the image material, receiving a light beam reflected from the second reflective surface, condensing the light beam on the image material, and forming an image on the image material. An optical scanner assembly comprising: a lens device to be formed; and a reflective system rotatable about an axis of rotation substantially coincident with the beam axis. 2. An optical scanner assembly for forming an image on an image material located on an inner surface of a curved film platen, the light source generating a light beam along the beam axis representing an image to be formed on the image material. A first reflecting surface that receives the light beam from the light source and reflects the received light beam; and a film platen that receives the light beam reflected from the first reflecting surface and reflects the light beam to form a curved platen. An optical component having a second reflective surface facing the image material on the inner surface of the optical component, the optical component being rotatable about an axis of rotation substantially coincident with the beam axis; and A driving mechanism for rotating, a first lens device for receiving and condensing the light beam reflected from the second reflecting surface, and a light beam condensed by the first lens device for further collecting the light beam A second lens unit for forming an image on the image material on the inner surface of the curved film platen, and a system for converging a light beam on the image material to form an image on the image material. Three-dimensional. 3. A method for forming an image on an image material located on an inner surface of a curved film platen using an optical scanner assembly, the method comprising: applying a light beam representing an image to be formed on the image material to a beam axis. The first lens reflects the light beam using the first reflecting surface, and further reflects the light beam reflected from the first reflecting surface using the second reflecting surface. The light beam reflected from the second reflecting surface is focused only on the first surface using the device, and the light beam reflected from the second reflecting surface using the second lens device is An image forming method comprising forming an image on an image material on an inner surface of a curved film platen by further reflecting only on a second surface perpendicular to one surface.